Cooperation or confrontation? The way ahead for the region

US defence secretary is fuelling tension by labelling China a threat and calling for joint deterrence

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

On June 15, The Straits Times published an opinion piece titled "US stands with its partners for a free and open Indo-Pacific", written by Dr Mark Esper, the US Secretary of Defence.

This was another attempt to sell the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States after his predecessor's at the Shangri-La Dialogue last year.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 22, 2020, with the headline Cooperation or confrontation? The way ahead for the region. Subscribe